Mining machine



May 30, .1933. M. F,l HOLMES 1,911,897

MINING MACHINE I `Original Filed Dec. 30 1929 .3 Sheets-Sheet l x BR :l E-ZIIIgIE fl "D A7@ l v .t A Q L 1 /m//YTa/: /VaHH/s P Hak/V55. u BY Aw Mwwm,

HTT'X May 30, 1933- M. P. HOLMES 1,911,397

MINING MACHINE original Filed Dec. 5o, 1929 :s sheets-sheet 2 //y VEN Tore.' Morale/S FHM/15s.

May 30, 1933- M. P. HOLMES 1,911,897

MINING MACHINE original Filed Dec. 5o, 1929 Smeets-sheet 3 l sf @mman-wm' Patented May 30, 1933 UNITED STATES .ATENT OFFICE MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR T SULLIVAN Y MACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS MINING MACHINE Substitute for application Serial No. 417,331, filed. December 30, 1829.

This application` led October 19,

1932. Serial No. 638,555.

of the longwall, bottom cutting type which is compact in structure and exceedinglyflexible in operation and has embodied therein improved reversing means whereby the feed operating member for the machine may be 29 driven in either of opposite directions without reversing the motor. Still another object is to provide an improved variable ratchet feed for a coal mining machine having embodied therein improved feed reversing 2.5 means. A still further object of this invention is to provide an improved variable speed, reversible feeding mechanism of the gearless type wherein all intermeshing reduction gears are eliminated. These and other obi? jects and advantages of this invention will,

however, hereinafter more fully appear.

This application is a substitute for my eopending application, Ser. No. 417 ,331 filed December 30, 1929.

In the accompanying drawings there is shown for purposes of illustration one form which the invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. l is a plan view of a coal mining ma- 4.9 chine having embodied therein the illustrative form of the improved flexible feeding means.

Fig. 2 is a side elevational view of the machine shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the front or feed end of the machine, parts being shown in horizontal section to illustrate structural details.

Fig. 4 is a transverse vertical sectional view @D taken substantially on line 4 4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view taken on line 5 5 of Fig. 3.

Figs. 6 and 7 are detail sectional views taken substantially on lines 6 6 and 7 7 of Fig. 4 and illustrating a portion of the improved reversible ratchet device.

Figs. 8 and 9 are transverse vertical sectional views taken substantially on lines 8 8 and 9 9 of Fig. 3 and illustrating the variable speed ratchet device.

In this illustrative construction the improved i'ieXible feeding means is shown'embodied in a coal mining machine of the flexibly fed, continuous cutter, longwall type although the various novel features of the invention may be used with mining` machines of various other types. The mining machine generally comprises a low .compact frame or body l of generally rectangular shape having a plane bottom surface 2 on which the machine is slidably supported for movement over the mine bottom. As is usual in longwall machines, pivotally mounted on the rear end of the machine frame for horizontal swinging movement relative thereto is an elongated plane cutter bar 3 carrying on its margin a usual endless cutter bit carrying cutter chain 4. Carried by the cutter bar is a usual locking pin 5 for locking the cutter bar to the frame in positions at either side of the machine or lengthwise of the machine as shown in Fig. l. In this instance, journaled within the machine frame at the front end of the machine for rotation about a vertical axis is a feed operating member 6, herein a cable winding drum having wound-thereupon a feed cable 7. Although in the present construction the feed drum is shown arranged on a vertical axis, it is obvio-us that it may be arranged in manners other than that shown. Suitable guide sheaves 8 are arranged on upstanding axes at the opposite front corners of the machine frame and the feed cable 7, after passing around any preferred guide sheave, may be extended for attachment to the cutter bar and, when disconnected from the bar, in any preferred direction from the machine to a suitably positioned anchor in thek manner which is well understood in the mining machine art. The feed drum 6 may in a well known manner.

then be operated to sump the cutter bar and thereafter to feed the machine transversely across the coal face and to withdraw the bar Housed within the machine frame is a motor 9 which may be of the reversible electric type having its armature shaft 10 horizontally disposed and eX- tending longitudinally of the machine. In the present construction the cutter chain 4 may be driven from the forward end of the motor through transmission connections which may be of the same general character as those described in my copending application Ser. No. 136,446, filed Sep. 20, 1926, patented July 21, 1931, No. 1,815,872. The feed drum 6 is operatively connected to the front end of the motor shaft through improved driving connections to be hereinafter described.

Now referring to the improved driving connections between the motor and the feed drum, it will be noted that securedv to the front end of the motor shaft 10 is a crank disc 11 carrying a. crank pin 12. This crank pin is connected by a transversely arranged connecting rod 13 to an oscillatory crank or arm 14 secured to a horizontal longitudinally extending shaft 15. This shaft upon rotation of the crank disc is oscillated by the crank 14, and is suitably journaled within the machine frame at one side thereof and has secured thereto at its forward end an oscillatory pawl carrier 16 of a variable speed stepby-step speed reducing or ratchet device generally designated 17. This ratchet device drives intermittently a hollow shaft 18 through which the shaft 15 extends and drives, as hereinafter described, a reversible step-by-step speed reducing or ratchet device tions of adjustment.

generally designated 19. The ratchet device 19 includes an element rotatably supported on a vertical shaft 20 and secured to the feed drum 6. The shaft 20 is suitably ournaled within the machine frame midway between the sides thereof as shown in Fig. 3. A reversible ratchet device generally designated 21 is also provided to prevent reverse rotation of the feed drum during driving in either direction.

The improved variable speed ratchet device 17V comprises a pluralityof spring-pressed Vpawls 22 carried by the oscillatory pawl carrier 16 secured to the transmission shaft 15. These pawls have coacting engagement with internal ratchet teeth 23 formed on a cylindrical ratchet member 24 secured to the shaft 18 as shown in F ig. 3. Rotatably mounted on arbearing sleeve 25 carried by the hub of the pawl carrier 15 is a control member 26 for varying the speed of the ratchet. This member has secured thereto an operating handle 27 having usual releasib-le locking' means 28 for holding the handle in its different posi- As shown, the member 26 is provided adjacent its outer periphery with an internal shoulder 29 and is arcuately recessed at 30, one recess being provided for each pawl. It is evident that by adjusting the control member 26 counterclockwise from the position shown in Fig, 9, the pawls 22 are held by the shoulder 29 out of engagement with the ratchet teeth 23 throughout a substantial portion of movement of the pawl carrier. When the control member 26 is turned in a clockwise direction into the position shown in Fig. 9 the pawls are engaged with the ratchet teeth throughout the entire movement of the pawl carrier. It will thus be seen that the time of engagement of the pawls with the ratchet teeth may be varied at will, it being possible by adjusting the control member to vary the time period when the pawls are in engagement with the ratchet teeth, thereby varying the rate of rotation of the ratchet member 24` and resultantly, the rate of oscillation of the ratchet device 19, as hereinafter described.

Now referring to the improved reversible ratchet device 19 and the driving means therefor, it will be noted that formed on the shaft 18 is a groove presenting opposed cam surfaces 31 with which rollers 32 cooperate. These rollers are carried by a projecting arm 3 3 herein formed integral with a pawl carrier 34 rotatably mounted on a bearing sleeve suitably supported within the machine frame. As the shaft 18 is intermittently rotated by the ratchet device .17, the cam surfaces 431 move the arm 33 horizontally back and forth, thereby oscillating the pawl carrier 34. Carried by the member 34 are sets of oppositely acting spring-pressed pawls 35 and 36 adapted to be brought alternatively in coacting engagement with internal ratchet teeth 37 formed on a sleeve-like element 38 integral with the feed drum 6. Means is provided for alternatively bringing the sets of pawls into effect, and herein comprises a pawl reverse member 39 herein interposed. in a horizontal plane, between the ratchet devices 19 and 21 as shown in Fig. 4. The member 39 is mounted on the sleeve-like portion 38 and supported between elements of the ratchet devices 19 and 21. As shown in Fig. 6, the member 39 is provided with cut-away or recessed portions 40 so that when the parts are in the position shown, thepawls 36 are in engagement with the ratchet teeth 37, while vthe other set of pawls are held in their in opf rative position out of engagement with the ratchet teeth by engagement with the external periphery of an upstanding circular flange 42 integral with the member 39. When the member 39 is rotated into its opposite position,the pawls 36 are held inoperative by the flange, while the recesses 40 permit the other set of pawls 35 to move into driving engagement with the ratchet teeth. For limiting the turning movement of the ratchet reverse member 39 there isV provided a pin or lug 43 carried by the member 39 and engageable With spaced lugs 44 carried by a relatively stationary element. For rotating this control member there are provided gear teeth 45 formed on the outer periphery thereof and meshing with the teeth of a spur gear 46 carried by a vertical shaft 47 rotatably supported Within the machine frame. Formed on this shaft is a Worm gear 48 meshing with the teeth of a Worm 49 secured to a longitudinally extending operating shaft 50. This shaft carries at its outer end at the forward end of the machine a control handle 5l. The Worm and Worm gear are of the self-locking type and positively hold the ratchet reverse member 39 in its different positions of adjustment. lt will thus be seen that the feed drum 6 may be driven at variable speeds through the ratchet device l? and in either of opposite directions at such speeds under the control of the reversible ratchet device 19, it being possible to reverse the direction of rotation of the feed drum 6 While the motor 9 operates continuously in the same direction. To prevent reverse rotation of the feed drum during the return or backward movement of the paWl carrier 34 there is provided a rela` tively stationary pawl carrier 52 fixed to the machine frame and carrying` sets of oppositely acting spring-pressed pawls 58 and 54 adapted to be brought alternatively into coacting engagement with ratchet teeth V35 formed on the sleeve-lia` portion 38 secured to the feed drum 6. Means is provided for alternatively bringing these sets of pavvls into effect and herein comprises a depending circular flange 56 formed integral With the ratchet reverse member 39. rlhis flange is arcuately recessed grooved at 57. lVhen the member 39 is in the position shown in Fig. 7, the recesse 56 permit the set of paWls 54 to engage the ratchet teeth on the drum, While the other set of payvls 53 are out of engagement With the ratchet teeth 55 by the external periphery of the flange 56. When the member 39 is rotatedinto its opposite posit-ion, the paWls 54 are held inoperative by the outer surface of the flange, While the recesses 57 permit the other set of paWls 58 to move into engagement with the ratchet teeth 55. It will thus be seen that when the feed drum 6 is driven by the paivls 36 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 6, the pawls 54 slip over the ratchet teeth 55, but reverse rotation of the feed drum is prevented by engagement of the paivls 54 With tie ratchet teeth. lVhen the direction of rotation of the feed drum is reversed, the paivls 36 and 54 are rendered inoperative, While the other sets of pawls 35 and 53 are brought into effect, the parvis 35 driving the fecedrum in a clockwise direction as viewed in F ig. 6 at that time, While the pawls 53 prevent reverse rotation of the feed drum. The method of use of the improved feeding means Will be clearly apparent to those skilled in the art and therefore a description of the mode of operation of the machine is not necessary.

VVhil-e there is in this applicatien specifically described one form Which the invention may assume in practice, it will be understood that this form of the same is shown fo-r purposes of illustration and that the invention may be modified and embodied in Various other forms Without departing from its spirit or the scope of the appended claims.

l/Vhat l claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory driving element, means driven thereby for transforming the oscillatory motion thereof into an intermittent rotary-motion, means fer transforming sa'd intermittent rotary mot-ien into an oscillatory motion, and means for transforming said last mentioned oscillatory nio-tien into an intermittent rotary motion of said feed operating member.

2. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in either of opposite directions including an oscillatory driving element, means driven by said element for transforming the oscillatory motion thereof into an intermittent rotary motion, means for transforming said intermittent rotary motion into an oscillatory motion, means for transforming` said second mentioned oscillatory motion into an intermittent rotary motion of said feed operating member, and means for reversing said last mentioned means for effecting said last mentioned intermittent rotary motion in either of opposite directions.

3. A mining machine feeding mechainsm including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating iiexible feeding means including a step-by-step speed reducing device and a step-by-step speed reducing mechanism driven thereby.

4. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooerate directly With fiexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in either of opposite directions including a step-by-step speed reducing device and a rer-.iersible step-by-step speed reducing mechanism driven thereby.

5. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in either of opposite directions to draw in or pay out its cooperating flexible feeding means at variable speeds including a variable speed step-by-step speed reducing device, a step-by-step speed reducing device driven thereby, and means for effecting reversal of one of said devices.

6. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a variable speed device having an intermittently rotating element and a ratchet and paWl device driven by said rotatable element.

7. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member at variable speeds in either of opposite directions including a variable speed step-by-step speed reducing device including a final intermittently rotatable transmission element and a reversible step-by-step speed reducing device driven by said intermittently rotatable element.

8. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed opera-ting member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means at variable speeds including a variable speed ratchet and paWl device, means for controlling the pavvls of said device to vary the speed thereof, and a ratchet and pawl mechanism driven through said ratchet and paivl device.

9. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperatev directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member at variable speeds in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible lfeeding means including ay step-by-step speed reducing device having an intermittently rotatable transmission element, means cooperating with said device for varying the rate of rotation of said intermittently rotatable element, and a step-by-step speed reducing mechanism driven by said intermittently rotatable element.

l0. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member at variable speeds in either of opposite directions inclu-diiig a stepby-step speed reducing device having an intermittently rotatable transmission element, means for varying the rate of rotation of said intermittently rotatable element, a reversible step-by-step speed reducing mechanism driven by said intermittently rotatable element, and`means for reversing said mechanism to eect driving of said feed operating member in either of opposite dii rections.

11. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member at variable speeds in a direction to draw ink its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory driving element, variable speed mechanism driven thereby including an intermittently rotatable transmission element and a stepby-step speed reducing mechanism driven by said intermittently rotatable element.

l2. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means,iand mechanism for driving said feed operating member in either of opposite directions including a motor, a stepby-step speed reducing device driven thereby, a reversible step-by-step speed reducing i mechanism driven by said device, and means for reversing said speed reducing mechanism at Will While said motor operates continuously in the same direction.

13. A mining machine feeding mechanism means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in either of opposite direc-tions including a motor, an oscillatory element driven thereby, means driven by said oscillatory element for transforming the oscillatory motion thereof into an intermittent rotary motion, means for transforming said intermittent rotary motion into an oscillatory motion, means for transform- Nrw,...

ing said last mentioned oscillatory inotion into an intermittent rotary motion, and reversing means operable at Will While said motor operates continuously in the same direction for reversing said feed operating member.

l5. A mining machine feeding mechanism i including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, .and mechanism for driving said feed operating member including shaft, a variable speed device for driving said shaft,

a cam member driven by said shaft, a speed reducing device driven by said cam member, and driving connections between said speed reducing device and said feed operating member.

16. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said member including a shaft, mechanism for transmitting intermittent rotary motion to said shaft, a cam member driven by said shaft, an oscillatory member driven' by said cam member, and driving connections between said oscillatory member and said feed operating member.

17. A mining machine feeding mechanism including` a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said member including a shaft, an intermittently rotatable cam member driven by said shaft, a step by step speed reducing device driven by said cam member, and driving connections between said speed reducing device and said feed operating member.

18. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a` feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a driving shaft, a second shaft, mech anism for transforming the motion of said first shaft to an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, an oscillatory member driven by said second shaft, a third shaft having a. driving connection with said feed operating member, and mechanism for transforming the oscillatory motion of said member into an intermittent rotary motion of said third shaft.

19. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a step by step speed reducing device arranged coaxially with said feed operating member and actuating means for said device including an intermittently rotatable element.

20. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driv` ing said member including a step by step speed reducing device arranged coaxially with said member, and devices arranged coaxially with said member for preventing rotation of said feed operating member in a direction opposite from that in which said member is driven.

21. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member in either of opposite directions including a reversible step by step speed reducing device arranged coaxially with said member and actuating means for said device including an intermittently rotatable element.

22. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member in either of opposite directions including a reversible step by step speed reducing device arranged coaXially with said member, and devicesseparate from saidV speed reducing device and arranged coaxial'- ly with said member for preventing rotation of said member in a direction opposite from that in which said member is driven.

23. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices vfor driving said member including a shaft, a hollow shaft through which said Vshaft extends, driving means for said first shaft connected thereto at one end thereof, a variable speed device between the opposite end of said first shaft'and said hollow shaft, and a step by step speed reducing device driven by said hollow shaft and arranged to drive said feed operating member. v

24. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a horizontal shaft, driving means for said shaft operatively connected thereto at one end thereof, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, a variable speed driving connection between said shafts and connected to said first shaft at the opposite end thereof, and an intermittent speed reducing device driven by said hollow shaft and arranged to drive said feed operating member. I

25. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, a horizontal shaft extending longitu-L dinally of the machine, driving means for said shaft operatively connected thereto at one end thereof, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, a variable speed driving connection between said shafts and connected to said first shaft at the opposite endV thereof, and an intermittent speed reducing device driven by said hollow shaft and arranged to drive said feed operating member.

26. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate Vdirectly Awith flexible feeding means, an oscillatory shaft, a second shaft, means for transforming the oscillatory motion of said first shaft into an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, an oscillatory kmember driven by said second shaft, a third shaft operatively connected to drive tary motion of said third shaft.

27. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including an oscillatory shaft, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, devices between said shafts for transforming the oscillatory motion of said first shaft into an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, and driving con nections between said second shaft and said feed operating member including an intermittent speed reducing device.

28. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including an oscillatory shaft, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, devices between said shafts for transforming the oscillatory motion of said first shaft into an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, and driving connections between said second shaft and said feed operating member including a variable speed speed reducing device.

29. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with exible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driv ing said member including an oscillatory shaft, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, devices between said shafts for transforming the oscillatory motion of said -46 first shaft into an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, driving connections between said second shaft and said feed operating member including an oscillatory member, an element operatively connected to Y said feed operating member, and mechanism for transforming the oscillatory motion of said oscillatory member into an intermittent rotary motion of said element.

30. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including a step by step speed reducing device arranged coaxially with said feed operating` member, said device including an oscillatory element, and actuating means for said device including an oscillatory element having a xed axis of oscilla-y tion and operatively connected to said first mentioned oscillatory element.

31.. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member in either of opposite directions including a reversible step by step speed reducing device, a reversible device coaxial with said speed reducing device for preventing rotation of said member in a direction opposite from that in which said member is actuating said pawl carrier comprising a ra- Y dial arm secured to said carrier and a device for swinging said arm back and forth to oscillate said carrier about the axis of the ratchet ring.

33. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including an oscillatory shaft, a driven shaft, a ratchet and pawl mechanism between said oscillatory shaft and said driven shaft for intermittently rotating the latter, an oscillatory element actuated by said intermittently rotatable shaft, and a ratchet and pawl mechanism for transforming the oscillatory motion of said last mentioned element into an intermittent rotary motion of the feed operating member.

34. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member in either of opposite directions including a reversible step by step speed reducing device and a cooperating reversible device for preventing rotation of said member in adirection opposite from that in which said member is driven, each of said devices including a ratchet ring, reversely positioned pawls engageable with the teeth of said ring,

and means for rendering said pawls alternatively effective.

35. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member in either of opposite directions including a reversible step by step speed reducing device and a cooperating reversible device for preventing rotation of said member in a direction opposite from that in which said member is driven, each of said devices including a ratchet ring, reversely positioned pawls engageable with the teeth of said ring, and a shield shrouding a portion iio of the' teeth of said ring for controlling the engagement of said pavvls With said ring.

36. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member' in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory driving element and a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, and driving means for said driving element for positively oscilla-t'- ing the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor.

37. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draW in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, driving means for said driven element including an oscillatory element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

3S. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory element, a motor, and driving means for said oscillatory element for positively moving the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation With said mot-0r.

39. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory element, a motor, drivingI means for said oscillatory element for positively moving the latter in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving'relation with said motor, and means for automatically eflecting such connection at timed intervals.

40. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to dravv in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a step-by-step speed reducing device including an element movable lin opposite directions, a motor, driving means for said speed reducing device for positively moving said element in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation With said motor.

41. A miningmachine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a step-by-step speed reducing device including an element movable in opposite directions, a motor, driving means for said speed reducing device for positively moving said element in opposite directions, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor and means for automatically eecting such connection at timed intervals.

42. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a ratchet and paWl device, a motor, and driving means for said ratchet and pavvl device for positively moving the paWl thereof back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation With said motor. I

48. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to dravv in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a ratchet and pavvl device, a motor, driving means for said ratchet and pavvl device for positively moving the pavvl thereof back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, and means for automatically effecting such connection at timed intervals.

44. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including an oscillatory driven element, a motor, driving means for said driven element for positively moving the latter back and forth, said driving means being automatically intermittently connected in driving relation With said motor, and means for transforming the oscillatory motion of said driven element to an intermittent rotary motion.

45. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element intermittently rotated in one direction, a motor, and driving means for said driven element including an oscillatory driving element automatically intermittently connected in driving relation with said motor, said driving element being positively moved back and forth by said driving means.

46. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element rotatable about a vertical axis, a. driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devices rranged at opposite ends of said driving element and including an oscillatory transmission shaft extending longitudinally of said driving element, one of said devices connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and the other of said devices connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

47. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element rotatable about a vertical axis, a. driving element disposed on a horizontal longitudinally extending axis, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devices arranged at opposite ends of said driving element and including an oscillatory transmission shaft extending longitudinally of said driving element, one of said devices connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and the other of said devices connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

48. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding` means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a -direction to dran7 in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element rotatable about a vertical axis, a tubular driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devices having oscillatory elements arranged at opposite ends of said driving element and a connecting element extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

49. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for rotating said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven member, a driving member", a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotating said shaft including an oscillatory element arranged at one end of said driving member, a ratchet device arranged at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device extending centrally through said tubular shaft.

50. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for rotating said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven member disposed on a vertical axis, a driving member, a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotatingsaid shaft including an oscillatory element arranged at an end of said driving member, a ratchet device arranged at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device extending centrally through said tubular shaft.

5l. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for rotating said feed operating member in a direct-ion to dravv in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven member disposed on a vertical axis, a driving member disposed on a horizontal axis, a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotating said shaft including an oscillatory element arranged at one end of said driving member, a ratchet device arranged at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device extending centrally through said tubular shaft.

52. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for rotating said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven member disposed on a vertical axis, a driving member disposed on a horizontal longitudinally extending axis, a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotating said shaft including an oscillatory element arranged at one end of said driving member, a ratchet device arranged at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device extending centrally through said tubular shaft.

53. A miningmachine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for rotating said feed operating member in a direction to dravv in its cooperating flexible feeding means includ- CTI inga driven member arranged on an axis parallel to a line parallel With the axis of said feed operating member, a driving member, a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotating said shaft including an oscillatory element arranged at one end of said driving member, a ratchet device arranged at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device ex-A tendingA centrally through said tubular Shaft; i i i "54. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism fer rotating said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means includ ing a driven member arranged coaxially With said feed Voperating member, a driving inember, a tubular shaft supporting said driving member, and mechanism for rotating said shaft including an oscillatory7 element arranged at one end of said driving member, a ratchetdevice arrangedl at the other end thereof, and a connection between said oscillatory element and said ratchet device elxtnding centrally through said tubular s ia t.

5,5. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its vcooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a driving element, a motor shaft, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including an oscillatory transmission shaft arranged With its axis parallel With the motor shaft axis, said motor shaft connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and said driving element connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

56. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapt-ed to cooperate directly with fiexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a driving element, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devices arranged at opposite ends of said driving element and including an oscillatory transmission shaft extending longitudinally of said driving element, one of said devices connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and theother of said devices connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

57. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapt-ed to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means in-` cluding a driven element, a driving element disposed on a horizontal'axis, a motor shaft,

and mechanism for rotating said driving means and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to dravv in itscooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including devicesarranged at opposite ends of said driving element and including an oscillatory transmission shaft extending longitudinally ofsaid driving element, one of said devices connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and the other of said devices connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

59. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly v7vith flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexiblefceding means including a driven element, a tubular driving element, and mechanismfor rotating said driving element including devices having oscillatory elements arranged at opposite endsof said driving element, and a connecting element extending centrally through said driving element. i

60. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adap-ted to cooperate directly With flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a tubular driving' element disposed on a horizontal axis and mechanism for rotating said driving element includingV devices having oscillatory elements arranged at opposite ends of said driving element, and a connecting element extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

6l. A mining machine feedingA mecha nism including a. feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly With flexible feedingV means, andmechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feedingy means including a driven element, a tubular driving element disposed on a horizontal axis extending longitudinally of the machine and mechanism for rotating saiddriving element including devices having oscillatory elements arranged at opposite ends of said driving element, and a connecting element extending centrally through said tubular driving element.

62. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding 'Y means and mechanism for driving said member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory shaft, a crank between said motor driven element and one end of said shaft, a driving element, a vari- `able speed device between the opposite end of said shaft and said driving element, and connections between said driving element and said feed operating member.

63. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adaped to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means and mechanism for driving said membei' in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a moltor driven element, an oscillatory shaft, a crank between said motor driven element and one driven element, an oscillatory shaft, a crank between said motor driven element and one end of said shaft, a hollow driven shaft, said first shaft extending'centrally through said hollow driven shaft, operative connections between said hollow driven shaft and said feed operating member, and variable speed driving connections between the opposite end of said oscillatory shaft and said hollow driven shaft.

65. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a motor driven element, an oscillatory shaft, a crank between said motor driven element and one end of said shaft, a hollow driving element, a hollow 'driven shaft supporting said hollow driving element,` said first shaft extending centrally through said hollow driven shaft, operative connections between said hollow driving element and said feed operatinfrmember, and a step by step speed reducing device between the opposite end of said oscillatory shaft and said hollow driven shaft. i

66. In a mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, an mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a driving element, a motor shaft having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including an oscillatory transmission kshaft operatively connected to said motor shaft and said driving element and arranged on an axis parallel with said motor shaft axis, said motor shaft connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and said driv! ing element connected to the opposite end of and driven by said oscillatory shaft.

67. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and mechanism for driving said feed operating member in a direction to draw in its cooperating flexible feeding means including a driven element, a driving element disposed on a horizontal axis, a motor shaft having its axis extending longitudinally of the machine, and mechanism for rotating said driving element including an oscillatory transmission shaft operatively connected to said motor shaft and said driving element and arranged on an axis parallel with said motor shaft axis, said motor shaft connected to one end of and driving said oscillatory shaft and said driving element connected to' the opposite end of and driven by' said oscillatory shaft.

68. A mining machine feeding mechanism including a feed operating member adapted to cooperate directly with flexible feeding means, and motor operated devices for driving said member including an oscillatory shaft, a hollow shaft through which said shaft extends, devices between said shafts for transforming the oscillatory motion of said first shaft into an intermittent rotary motion of said second shaft, and driving connections between said second shaft and said feed operating member. v y i In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

Monnier; HOLMES. .i 

